Celestyal Cruises continues to monitor conditions in the Arabian Gulf while preparing to reposition its vessels to Europe, indicating that sailings will resume once circumstances allow operations to proceed safely.
The company confirmed that all departures scheduled for April 2026 have been cancelled. The decision affects the beginning of the line’s Mediterranean summer programme and follows ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region that have disrupted cruise operations and delayed vessel movements.
At present, the two ships involved in the deployment remain in the Gulf. Celestyal Discovery is alongside in Dubai, while Celestyal Journey is positioned in Doha as both await approval to begin their repositioning voyages to Greece.
Chris Theophilides, chief executive officer of Celestyal Cruises, indicated that the company had continued to follow developments in the Middle East closely, maintaining that the safety and well-being of guests, crew and partners remained the primary consideration. After reviewing the situation, the company concluded that cancelling all April sailings would provide clarity for guests and travel partners while the vessels waited for an opportunity to depart the region.
The decision was described as a precautionary measure designed to allow travellers and trade partners sufficient time to adjust their plans during a period of operational uncertainty. According to the company, it continues to maintain contact with the relevant authorities across the region and intends to move the ships as soon as safe navigation conditions permit.
All passengers and non-essential crew have already disembarked from the vessels, which remain operational and ready for deployment while awaiting clearance for onward voyages. Preparations for the forthcoming Mediterranean programme are continuing in parallel, with the company maintaining its expectation that service will resume in early May.
Current plans indicate that Celestyal Discovery will commence the season on May 1st, 2026 with a departure from Lavrion, followed by Celestyal Journey on May 2nd, 2026 from Piraeus. These sailings are intended to mark the start of the line’s Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic itineraries.
The situation reflects a wider pattern within the cruise sector, as several vessels positioned in Gulf ports have delayed repositioning voyages to Europe due to regional security concerns and restricted navigation routes. In response, operators have increasingly focused on coordinating departures with authorities and consolidating cancellations in order to ensure a controlled restart of operations once conditions stabilise.
Whether ships currently in the Arabian Gulf will be able to depart in time to meet revised schedules will depend on developments in the coming weeks, which are expected to determine the pace at which the Mediterranean summer season can begin.